Germany’s new course

In 1890 the young kaiser William II dismissed the aged Bismarck and proclaimed a new course for Germany. An intelligent but unstable man who compensated for a withered arm with military demeanour and intemperate remarks, William felt keenly his realm’s lack of prestige in comparison with the British Empire. William rejected Bismarck’s emphasis on security in Europe in favour of a flamboyant Weltpolitik (world policy) aimed at making Germany’s presence abroad commensurate with her new industrial might. Where Bismarck considered colonies a dangerous luxury given Germany’s geographic position, the kaiser thought ... (100 of 143,248 words)